All the major markets in Lagos yesterday closed shop to receive
the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) campaign train led by
Governor Peter Obi and Chief Victor Umeh, who introduced the
APGA candidates – Dr. Willie Obiano and his running mate, Dr.
Nkem Okeke to them.
Investigations revealed that though there was no prior
agreement for markets to shut down, the passion with which the
Igbo view APGA dictated that line of action to them.
Speaking at different markets visited- Electrical Market, Alaba;
Electronics Market, Alaba; Trade fare Market, Mile Two, ASPAMDA
and Ladipo Markets – the leaders of the markets were united in
saying that APGA is the party all Igbo sons and daughters should
vote for as representing a unique identity for the Igbo. They also
agreed that it was necessary for the Igbo to have a central body
they would call theirs and would unabashedly represent their
interests and aspirations.
They also commended the good work Governor Obi was doing in
Anambra State and said that continuity of APGA government was
a responsibility of every true Igbo man.
They were also united in condemning the deportation of 76 Igbo
from Lagos and commended the APGA government, led by
Governor Peter Obi for challenging the deportation, which has
guaranteed that no Nigeria would henceforth be deported from
his own country. “If not for what Governor Peter Obi did when
the deportation war was on, it would have been bad for you and
I. Dr. Chris Ngige said those deported were mad men and if Obi
did not shout, one day they will deport you and I and also call us
mad men,” Mr. Chijioke Okenwa, the leader of Electronics Dealers
Association of Nigeria, said. Though they commended Governor
Raji Fashola for apologising, they expressed surprise that Dr.
Chris Ngige was still justifying the dastardly act.
In his speeches at the various markets visited, the Chairman of
APGA, Chief Victor Umeh said the campaign train was
overwhelmed with joy at the massive reception accorded them.
He urged the people of Anambra State to vote in Dr . Willie
Obiano and Dr Nkem Okeke as true representatives of the people,
chosen by the people and from among them. Umeh said APGA
carefully chose the candidates based on their academic and
experiential pedigree.
While speaking to traders at various markets, Governor Obi, who
introduced himself as one of them, called for vigilance and said
they should not allow outsiders to dictate to Igbo who would
govern them. He wondered what the position of non-APGA
government, would have been over an issue such as deportation.
“ You all saw the position of Dr. Chris Ngige, who, in order not to
annoy his masters supported deportation and even went on air
to defend it, insisting that those deported were mad men.
Imagine, calling our brothers and sisters mad men because he
does not want to go contrary to his APC masters,” Obi said.

would there be polling booths here in Lagos ?